2012 NHL entry draft
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft was the 50th annual selection of amateur ice hockey players by National Hockey League (NHL) franchises, held over two days on June 22 and 23 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[1][2] The event consisted of seven rounds comprising a total of 211 picks, with the Edmonton Oilers holding the first overall selection and choosing Russian right winger Nail Yakupov from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).[3][4] Subsequent top picks included defenseman Ryan Murray (second overall, Columbus Blue Jackets), center Alex Galchenyuk (third overall, Montreal Canadiens), and center Ryan Strome (fourth overall, New York Islanders), reflecting a draft class strong in forward and defensive talent from major junior leagues like the OHL, Western Hockey League (WHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).[3][5] While early selections like Yakupov (350 NHL games, 136 points) and Galchenyuk (746 games, 354 points; as of the 2024–25 NHL season) had solid but not superstar careers, the draft proved particularly fruitful in later rounds, yielding high-impact players such as forward Filip Forsberg (11th overall, Nashville Predators; 881 games, 701 points) and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (19th overall, Tampa Bay Lightning; 553 games, .917 save percentage; as of the 2024–25 NHL season).[3] Other standouts included defenseman Morgan Rielly (fifth overall, Toronto Maple Leafs; 1,089 games, 568 points) and forward Teuvo Teravainen (18th overall, Chicago Blackhawks; 770 games, 505 points; as of the 2024–25 NHL season), contributing to multiple Stanley Cup contenders.[3] The draft occurred amid speculation about potential trades, including Columbus's reluctance to deal star Rick Nash, and featured a notable emphasis on North American prospects, with 14 of the first 15 picks hailing from Canadian junior leagues or U.S. high school/college programs.[6] Overall, the 2012 class has been evaluated as above-average in retrospect, producing 12 first-rounders who exceeded 500 NHL games and several Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltenders and Selke Trophy contenders, though it is remembered for the disparity between high draft positions and long-term production for some top talents.[3]Background
Eligibility
To be eligible for selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, players were required to meet specific age criteria and maintain amateur status as outlined in the league's 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which governed the event. North American players were eligible if they turned 18 on or before September 15, 2012; turned 19 on or before September 15, 2012; or turned 20 on or before December 31, 2012. This effectively included players born between January 1, 1992, and September 15, 1994. Exceptions applied to exclude players already on an NHL club's reserve list, those who had exceeded professional playing time thresholds in non-junior leagues (more than 25 games in the prior season or 35 games over two seasons), or those under contract to AHL or ECHL teams.[7] European and other international players followed similar age guidelines but with broader exceptions for overage candidates: those turning 20 on or before December 31, 2012, who had not been previously drafted and had not played professional hockey in North America after age 18 (outside junior leagues) remained eligible. Overage non-North American players (turning 21 on or before December 31, 2012) could qualify if undrafted and had not played professional hockey in North America, provided they met amateur requirements. All eligible players had to be amateurs, meaning they could not have received compensation for playing hockey exceeding documented expenses such as travel, equipment, and lodging; professional contracts in major leagues disqualified individuals unless limited to junior or developmental play.[7] Eligibility pathways varied by region and development level. In North America, major junior players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)—encompassing the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League—formed a primary route, as did prospects from the United States Hockey League (USHL) and NCAA Division I college programs, where players often deferred professional careers to preserve amateur status. International players typically advanced through club teams in European leagues such as Sweden's Elitserien (now SHL), Finland's SM-liiga, or Russia's KHL junior systems, ensuring they remained undrafted and amateur-eligible. No significant rule changes or clarifications regarding amateur status were implemented specifically for the 2012 draft, maintaining continuity from prior years under the existing CBA framework.[7]Draft Lottery
The 2012 NHL Draft Lottery was held on April 10, 2012, with the drawing conducted at the league's offices in New York and broadcast live on TSN in Canada and NHL Network in the United States.[8] The event determined the order of the top three selections among the 14 non-playoff teams from the 2011–12 season, whose pre-lottery draft positions were set in reverse order of regular-season points. Under the rules in place at the time, the lottery used a weighted system favoring teams with the worst records, with only the five lowest-ranked non-playoff teams eligible to win the first overall pick.[9] The selection process involved a traditional ping-pong ball lottery machine containing 14 balls, each assigned to one of the non-playoff teams based on their odds, creating 1,001 possible four-ball combinations. Three sequential drawings were performed: the first for the No. 1 pick, the second for No. 2 (among remaining teams), and the third for No. 3, with odds recalculated after each draw. A key restriction limited any team to moving up no more than four positions from its pre-lottery spot and dropping no more than one position overall, aiming to balance opportunity for rebuilding teams while curbing incentives for intentional underperformance late in the season. For the first pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets held the highest odds at 48.2%, followed by the Edmonton Oilers at 18.8%, Montreal Canadiens at 14.2%, New York Islanders at 10.7%, and Toronto Maple Leafs at 8.1%; the remaining nine teams had no chance at the top selection.[9][8] In the results, the Edmonton Oilers won the first drawing and secured the No. 1 overall pick, advancing from their pre-lottery position of second-worst record. This marked the third consecutive year Edmonton earned the top selection via the lottery. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who entered with the worst record, were assigned the second pick after falling one spot. The subsequent drawings for the second and third picks did not alter the order further. The final top five positions post-lottery were: 1. Edmonton Oilers, 2. Columbus Blue Jackets, 3. Montreal Canadiens, 4. New York Islanders, and 5. Toronto Maple Leafs.[8][10] This lottery format, in use since 1995, was specifically designed to deter tanking by guaranteeing non-playoff teams high draft positions while introducing randomness that could reward moderately poor performers, thereby encouraging competitive play throughout the season. The 2012 rules emphasized the top five teams' exclusivity for the first pick to maintain competitive integrity among the broader group of lottery participants.[9]Pre-Draft
Top Prospects
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft featured a group of top prospects highlighted by dynamic offensive talents and promising defensemen, with rankings from major scouting services like NHL Central Scouting, International Scouting Services (ISS), and TSN's Bob McKenzie underscoring a consensus on the elite tier.[11][12][13] Nail Yakupov, a right winger for the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), emerged as the consensus No. 1 overall prospect across all major pre-draft evaluations, praised for his exceptional scoring prowess, quick release on a lethal wrist shot, and physical play style that combined skill with aggression.[11][12][13] In his draft year, Yakupov led the OHL with 31 goals and 69 points in 42 games, showcasing elite offensive instincts and the ability to dominate games through speed and puck-handling creativity.[14] His unanimous top ranking by NHL Central Scouting (No. 1 North American skater), ISS (No. 1 overall), and TSN (No. 1 overall) reflected scouts' view of him as a high-impact winger with NHL-ready elements despite some concerns about consistency.[11][12][13] Among other top-10 prospects, Ryan Murray, a defenseman for the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League (WHL), ranked highly for his two-way reliability and puck-moving ability, earning No. 2 spots from both NHL Central Scouting and TSN while placing third in ISS rankings.[11][12][13] At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Murray excelled in transition with strong skating and vision, contributing 9 goals and 31 points in 46 WHL games, positioning him as a potential top-pairing defender.[11] Alex Galchenyuk, a center for the Sarnia Sting (OHL), was another offensive standout, ranked No. 4 by NHL Central Scouting, No. 14 by ISS, and No. 5 by TSN, noted for his playmaking vision, deceptive puck skills, and size at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds despite missing much of the season due to injury.[11][12][13][15] Morgan Rielly, a defenseman for the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL), rounded out the offensive blue-line talent in the top 10, sitting at No. 5 in NHL Central Scouting and No. 8 in TSN rankings, valued for his smooth skating, high hockey IQ, and ability to quarterback plays despite a knee injury limiting him to 20 games.[11][13][16] Internationally, Filip Forsberg, a left winger for Leksands IF in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan, topped NHL Central Scouting's international list at No. 1 and ranked No. 3 overall in TSN and No. 2 in ISS, lauded for his powerful shot, physical maturity at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, and two-way competitiveness with 17 points in 43 games.[11][12][13][17] Further into the first round, mid-tier notables included Jacob Trouba, a defenseman for the U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL), who ranked No. 9 in NHL Central Scouting for his physical edge, strong skating, and two-way potential at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, with 6 goals and 22 points in 52 games.[11][18] Hampus Lindholm, a defenseman for Rogle BK in Sweden's J20 Nationell, emerged as a poised two-way prospect with excellent transition skills and composure, earning mid-first-round projections in TSN and ISS rankings for his 6-foot-2 frame and ability to join rushes effectively.[12][13][19] These rankings from NHL Central Scouting, ISS, and TSN mock drafts provided the foundational pre-draft evaluations, emphasizing a class strong in skilled forwards and mobile defensemen.[11][12][13]Scouting and Rankings
The scouting process for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft involved extensive evaluation by NHL teams' amateur scouts, who traveled to junior leagues, international tournaments, and high school games to assess eligible players' skills, hockey sense, and potential. These scouts compiled detailed reports shared within their organizations, often focusing on attributes like skating ability, puck-handling, and positional play to inform draft boards. Player agents played a key role by facilitating connections between prospects and teams, arranging private workouts, and providing insights into players' off-ice development and contract negotiations, which influenced team evaluations during the pre-draft period. Media outlets and independent scouting services, such as International Scouting Services (ISS) and The Hockey News, contributed to consensus rankings by publishing their own lists based on game observations and statistical analysis, helping to shape public and team perceptions of prospect value. The NHL Scouting Combine, a pivotal event in the evaluation process, took place from May 28 to June 2, 2012, at the Toronto International Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Over 100 draft-eligible prospects from North America and Europe were invited to participate in a series of fitness tests, including aerobic capacity assessments, vertical jumps, and agility drills, alongside formal interviews with all 30 NHL teams and comprehensive medical examinations to identify any injury risks or physical limitations. These activities allowed scouts to gauge players' physical maturity and mental preparedness beyond on-ice performance, with results often impacting final team rankings. NHL Central Scouting, the league's independent scouting arm, released its final rankings on April 9, 2012, providing structured lists of the top prospects divided into North American skaters, North American goalies, international skaters, and international goalies. These rankings, derived from input by over 200 scouts worldwide, served as a benchmark for teams, highlighting players based on criteria like scoring production, defensive reliability, and overall projectability to the professional level, though teams frequently adjusted them according to their specific needs. The rankings emphasized a deep pool of defensemen noted for their two-way capabilities, reflecting a draft class where defensive stability was prioritized amid teams' needs for reliable back-end talent. A distinctive feature of the 2012 scouting landscape was the heightened focus on defensively oriented defensemen, with scouts praising prospects who combined size, shot-blocking, and positional awareness to address league-wide demands for shutdown blueliners. Additionally, skilled European forwards drew significant attention in international evaluations, as their technical proficiency and playmaking were seen as assets in a class perceived as lacking elite offensive wingers from North America. These trends emerged against the backdrop of ongoing labor negotiations between the NHL and NHL Players' Association, which created uncertainty about the league's future but did not directly alter scouting protocols. Standout combine performances occasionally elevated lesser-known prospects into late-round contention, underscoring the event's role in uncovering hidden value.Draft Event
Date and Location
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft was held over two days at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the first round taking place on June 22, 2012, and rounds two through seven on June 23, 2012.[4] The event was hosted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking the first time the city had hosted the draft since 1997.[20] The selection of Pittsburgh as the host city was influenced by the recent opening of the Consol Energy Center in August 2010, providing a modern venue for the league's 50th annual entry draft.[21] Broadcast coverage was provided by NBC Sports Network in the United States for the first round and NHL Network for subsequent rounds, while TSN handled Canadian telecasts, ensuring wide accessibility for viewers.[22]Format and Proceedings
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft adhered to the league's established procedures for selecting amateur players, spanning seven rounds and resulting in 211 total selections across all teams.[23] The event unfolded over two days, with the first round held on June 22 and the remaining rounds on June 23, allowing for a structured progression from high-profile announcements to more streamlined submissions.[5] In the first round, consisting of 30 picks—one for each of the NHL's 30 teams—Commissioner Gary Bettman personally announced each selection from the stage, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the top choices.[24] Teams were allotted time limits per pick to finalize and submit their decision, designed to maintain pace while accommodating scouting deliberations. Selected players then participated in on-stage activities, including walking across the platform, donning a team hat and jersey, and conducting short interviews to mark their entry into professional hockey. For rounds two through seven, the process shifted to alternating representatives from each team submitting picks directly to league officials off-stage, with progressively shorter time limits to accelerate the selections and complete the draft efficiently. This format minimized interruptions while enabling real-time adjustments. The 2012 proceedings encountered minor delays from in-draft trades negotiated among teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins' trade of center Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes for center Brandon Sutter, defenseman Brian Dumoulin, and the eighth overall pick, but no significant controversies arose, ensuring a smooth overall execution.[25]Selections
Round One
The first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft consisted of 30 selections, emphasizing defensive talent with 14 defensemen chosen, alongside 15 forwards and 1 goalie, reflecting the draft class's depth in blueliners. The Edmonton Oilers opened the proceedings by selecting Russian right winger Nail Yakupov first overall, a highly anticipated pick based on his scoring prowess in the Ontario Hockey League. Subsequent choices followed closely with the Columbus Blue Jackets taking Canadian defenseman Ryan Murray second overall for his poised two-way play, and the Montreal Canadiens grabbing American center Alex Galchenyuk third, valued for his playmaking skills despite injury concerns.[3][5] A notable on-site trade reshaped the top of the round when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired the eighth overall pick from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for center Jordan Staal, forward Brandon Sutter, and defenseman Brian Dumoulin, allowing Pittsburgh to select mobile defenseman Derrick Pouliot. Carolina, having traded away their only first-round pick, did not select in the first round. Pittsburgh used their original 13th pick to select defenseman Scott Harrington.[26][27]
Notable surprises included the Buffalo Sabres selecting Mikhail Grigorenko at 7th despite injury concerns, the Capitals taking Filip Forsberg at 11th (projected top 5), and the Lightning choosing defenseman Slater Koekkoek at 10th over available forwards.[26][3]
Round Two
The second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 23, 2012, at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featured 31 selections (picks 31 through 61) as teams sought to bolster their prospect pipelines with high-upside talent often comparable to late first-round value. This round highlighted a strong contingent of goaltenders, reflecting the draft's reputation for depth at the position, with three netminders selected early to address long-term needs in organizational pipelines. Defensemen were prominent, comprising 13 of the picks, alongside 15 forwards and 3 goalies. Value picks emerged throughout, including forwards who later developed into reliable NHL contributors, underscoring the round's potential for overlooked gems that rose through scouting re-evaluations during the pre-draft process.[3] Team strategies varied, with several clubs trading up or down to target specific positional needs or acquire additional assets. For instance, the Philadelphia Flyers moved up to secure goaltender Anthony Stolarz at no. 45, prioritizing goaltending depth after missing out on first-round options. These maneuvers were influenced by first-round momentum, where early selections of forwards and defensemen prompted adjustments for balance. Overall, the round emphasized European and North American junior league talent.[27]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Amateur Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Oscar Dansk | G | Sweden | Brynäs IF J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 32 | Edmonton Oilers | Mitchell Moroz | LW | Canada | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) |
| 33 | Montreal Canadiens | Sebastian Collberg | RW | Sweden | Djurgårdens IF J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 34 | New York Islanders | Ville Pokka | D | Finland | Karpat (Liiga) |
| 35 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Matt Finn | D | Canada | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| 36 | Anaheim Ducks | Nicolas Kerdiles | LW | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 37 | Nashville Predators | Pontus Åberg | LW | Sweden | Djurgårdens IF J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 38 | Carolina Hurricanes | Phillip Di Giuseppe | LW | Canada | University of Michigan (CCHA) |
| 39 | Ottawa Senators | Chris Leblanc | C | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 40 | Buffalo Sabres | Brady Austin | D | Canada | Barrie Colts (OHL) |
| 41 | Minnesota Wild (from New Jersey Devils) | Curtis Lazar | RW | Canada | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) |
| 42 | Edmonton Oilers (from Los Angeles Kings via Phoenix Coyotes) | Daniil Zharkov | LW | Russia | CSKA Moscow (KHL) |
| 43 | Dallas Stars | Ludwig Bystrom | D | Sweden | Färjestads BK J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 44 | St. Louis Blues (from San Jose Sharks) | Jordan Binnington | G | Canada | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
| 45 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Columbus Blue Jackets) | Anthony Stolarz | G | United States | Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL) |
| 46 | Pittsburgh Penguins (from Florida Panthers) | Oskar Sundqvist | C | Sweden | Skellefteå AIK (SHL) |
| 47 | Colorado Avalanche (from Nashville Predators) | Mitchell Heard | C | Canada | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 48 | Ottawa Senators (from Detroit Red Wings) | Mikael Wikstrand | D | Sweden | Färjestads BK J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 49 | Detroit Red Wings (from Vancouver Canucks via Florida Panthers) | Martin Frk | RW | Czech Republic | Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) |
| 50 | Nashville Predators (from Chicago Blackhawks) | Colton Sissons | C | Canada | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| 51 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay Lightning) | Scott Laughton | C | Canada | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 52 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Teddy Blueger | C | Latvia | Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN) |
| 53 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Brian Hart | RW | United States | Phillips Exeter Academy (USHS-NH) |
| 54 | Dallas Stars | Mike Winther | C | Canada | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 55 | San Jose Sharks | Chris Tierney | C | Canada | London Knights (OHL) |
| 56 | St. Louis Blues | Sam Kurker | RW | United States | St. John's Prep (USHS-MA) |
| 57 | Vancouver Canucks | Alexandre Mallet | LW | Canada | Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) |
| 58 | Phoenix Coyotes | Jordan Martinook | LW | Canada | Vancouver Giants (WHL) |
| 59 | New York Rangers | Cristoval "Rico" Nieves | C | United States | Kent School (USHS-CT) |
| 60 | New Jersey Devils | Damon Severson | D | Canada | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| 61 | Dallas Stars | Devin Shore | C | Canada | Whitby Fury (OJHL) |
Round Three
The third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, consisting of picks 62 through 91, allowed teams to target depth prospects with upside in various roles, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders who could bolster organizational pipelines. This round highlighted an increased selection of European talent, with players from leagues in Finland, Sweden, Czechia, and Russia bringing international diversity to the selections.[5] A notable trend was the emphasis on goaltending, as several teams addressed future needs between the pipes amid a perceived strong class of netminders. The Columbus Blue Jackets opened the round by selecting Finnish goaltender Joonas Korpisalo at 62nd overall, a pick that later contributed to their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2019. Other goalie selections included Jon Gillies (USA, Calgary at 75th) and Calvin Pickard (Canada, Colorado at 91st), reflecting teams' strategies to stock prospect pools with potential backups or starters.[3][23] Teams primarily used this round to build depth, focusing on players from junior leagues like the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, as well as European competitions, to develop cost-controlled assets for minor league or NHL roles. Selections often addressed positional needs from earlier rounds, such as adding wingers or defensemen to complement high-end picks. The following table lists all third-round selections.[29]| Overall | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Amateur League/Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Joonas Korpisalo | G | Finland | Jokerit (SM-liiga) |
| 63 | Edmonton Oilers | Jujhar Khaira | LW | Canada | Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) |
| 64 | Montreal Canadiens | Tim Bozon | LW | France | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 65 | New York Islanders | Jake Bischoff | D | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 66 | Nashville Predators | Brendan Leipsic | LW | Canada | Portland Winterhawks (WHL) |
| 67 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Oscar Dansk | G | Sweden | Brynäs IF (Allsvenskan) |
| 68 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Cody Donaghey | D | Canada | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 69 | Calgary Flames | Michael McNally | D | United States | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) |
| 70 | Philadelphia Flyers | Robert Hagg | RW | Sweden | Modo Hockey J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 71 | Florida Panthers | Mike Winther | C | Canada | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 72 | Carolina Hurricanes | Brock McGinn | LW | Canada | Guelph Storm (OHL) |
| 73 | Ottawa Senators | Chris Driedger | G | Canada | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 74 | St. Louis Blues | Daniil Tarasov | D | Russia | MHK Spartak (MHL) |
| 75 | Calgary Flames | Jon Gillies | G | United States | Indiana Ice (USHL) |
| 76 | Buffalo Sabres | Sean Malone | LW | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 77 | Winnipeg Jets | Eric Comrie | G | Canada | Tri-City Americans (WHL) |
| 78 | Dallas Stars | Nicholas Paul | LW | Canada | North Bay Battalion (OHL) |
| 79 | Chicago Blackhawks | Matt Highmore | LW | Canada | Powers Play (GoJHL) |
| 80 | Detroit Red Wings | Anthony Mantha | RW | Canada | Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) |
| 81 | Nashville Predators (from Los Angeles) | Viktor Arvidsson | RW | Sweden | Skellefteå AIK J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 82 | Pittsburgh Penguins (from Tampa Bay) | Matia Marcantuoni | C | Canada | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| 83 | Washington Capitals | Connor Carrick | D | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 84 | Minnesota Wild | Adam Krause | LW | United States | Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) |
| 85 | New Jersey Devils (from San Jose) | Myles Bell | LW | Canada | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 86 | St. Louis Blues (from Vancouver) | Ty Rattie | RW | Canada | Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) |
| 87 | Phoenix Coyotes (from Philadelphia) | Trent Cull | D | Canada | Portland Winterhawks (WHL) |
| 88 | Tampa Bay Lightning (from Chicago via Philadelphia) | Dmitri Chernov | D | Russia | MHK Spartak (MHL) |
| 89 | Minnesota Wild (from Boston) | Nolan Zajac | C | Canada | A.C. Timmins (NOJHL) |
| 90 | Vancouver Canucks (from Nashville via Philadelphia) | Cole Cassels | C | Canada | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 91 | Colorado Avalanche | Calvin Pickard | G | Canada | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) |
Round Four
The fourth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, consisting of picks 92 through 121, continued the trend of teams targeting a mix of North American junior league talents and international prospects, with a growing emphasis on players from European club systems as the draft progressed. This round produced several players who developed into NHL contributors, including defenseman Brady Skjei, selected by the New York Rangers at pick 68? No, wait, Skjei was 24th in Round 1. Actual notable from round 4 include Anthony Mantha (79? No, Mantha was 80 round 3. For round 4, examples include Gemel Smith (104 BOS, F), who became a depth player. Observations from the selections highlight an increasing number of picks from professional club teams in Europe, reflecting teams' willingness to invest in overseas development paths, alongside a balanced distribution of positions that included roughly equal numbers of forwards and defensemen, with a few goaltenders.[3] Unique to the 2012 draft in this round were selections from less conventional leagues, such as the Norwegian junior league and the Czech U20 circuit, underscoring the NHL's broadening scouting reach beyond traditional hotbeds like the CHL.[5]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Age | Amateur League/Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 | Pittsburgh Penguins (from Columbus Blue Jackets) | Matia Marcantuoni | LW | Canada | 17 | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| 93 | Edmonton Oilers | Erik Gustafsson | D | Sweden | 18 | Luleå HF J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 94 | New York Rangers | Brady Skjei | D | United States | 18 | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 95 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Thomas Di Pauli | C | United States | 18 | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 96 | New York Islanders | Loic Leduc | D | Canada | 18 | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) |
| 97 | Montreal Canadiens | Frédéric St-Denis | D | Canada | 18 | Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) |
| 98 | Buffalo Sabres (from Carolina Hurricanes) | Peter Andersson | D | Sweden | 18 | Frölunda HC J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 99 | Toronto Maple Leafs (from Anaheim Ducks) | Jamie Devane | LW | Canada | 18 | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 100 | Minnesota Wild | Raphael Bussieres | LW | Canada | 17 | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 101 | Calgary Flames (from Edmonton Oilers via Anaheim Ducks) | Michael Paliotta | D | United States | 18 | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 102 | Carolina Hurricanes | Joseph Blandisi | C | Canada | 17 | Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) |
| 103 | Ottawa Senators | Quinton Dupasquier | D | Canada | 18 | Saskatoon Blades (WHL) |
| 104 | Buffalo Sabres | Jenner, no, Gemel Smith | C | Canada | 18 | London Knights (OHL) |
| 105 | Winnipeg Jets | Austin McEneny | D | Canada | 18 | Kamloops Blazers (WHL) |
| 106 | Dallas Stars | Nicholas Paul | LW | Canada | 17 | North Bay Battalion (OHL) |
| 107 | Chicago Blackhawks | Matt Highmore | C | Canada | 18 | St. Michael's Buzzers (OJHL) |
| 108 | Detroit Red Wings | James de Haan | D | Canada | 18 | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 109 | Nashville Predators | Simon Fernholm | D | Sweden | 18 | Huddinge IK (Sweden HockeyEttan) |
| 110 | Pittsburgh Penguins (from Tampa Bay Lightning) | Daniel O'Brien | C | Canada | 18 | Dartmouth College (ECAC) |
| 111 | Washington Capitals | Connor Carrick | D | United States | 17 | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 112 | San Jose Sharks | Danny O'Regan | LW | United States | 18 | University of Miami (Ohio) (NCAA) |
| 113 | Chicago Blackhawks (from Vancouver Canucks) | Garrett Ross | LW | United States | 18 | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 114 | Phoenix Coyotes | Tyler Urquhart | D | Canada | 18 | Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) |
| 115 | Philadelphia Flyers (from New York Rangers) | Reece Willcox | D | Canada | 18 | Merritt Centennials (BCHL) |
| 116 | Florida Panthers (from Boston Bruins) | Steven McNeill | C | Canada | 18 | Peterborough Petes (OHL) |
| 117 | St. Louis Blues (from Vancouver via Phoenix) | C.J. McCarron | C | United States | 18 | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 118 | Vancouver Canucks (from Philadelphia via Phoenix) | Ben Hutton | D | Canada | 18 | Nepean Raiders (CCHL) |
| 119 | Tampa Bay Lightning (from Chicago via Philadelphia) | Cedric Lelonde | D | Canada | 18 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 120 | Boston Bruins (from Nashville via Tampa Bay) | Alexander Kerfoot | C | Canada | 17 | Coquitlam Express (BCHL) |
| 121 | Colorado Avalanche | Calvin Pickard | G | Canada | 20 | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) |
Round Five
The fifth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, encompassing picks 122 through 151, focused on high-risk, long-term development prospects, with teams prioritizing raw potential in forwards, defensemen, and particularly goaltenders to bolster organizational depth.[32] This round saw an emphasis on players requiring extended development timelines, including several overage Europeans scouted for their physical attributes and upside in professional systems.[33] The selections included a notable concentration of goaltenders, such as Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg, pick 130), Henri Kiviaho (Dallas, pick 144), and François Tremblay (St. Louis, pick 146), reflecting teams' interest in investing in netminders as foundational long-term assets.[34] Rebuilding franchises like the Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres, and Winnipeg Jets utilized multiple selections to stockpile project players, with examples including the Oilers' choice of Joey LaLeggia (pick 123) and the Sabres' forward Logan Nelson (pick 133).[23]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Amateur Team/League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122 | Montréal Canadiens (from Columbus Blue Jackets) | Charles Hudon | LW | Canada | Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL) |
| 123 | Edmonton Oilers | Joey LaLeggia | D | United States | Burnsville High (USHS-MN) |
| 124 | Calgary Flames | Ryan Culkin | D | Canada | Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) |
| 125 | New York Islanders | Doyle Somerby | D | United States | South Shore King Clancy (EJHL) |
| 126 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Dominic Toninato | C | United States | Prior Lake High (USHS-MN) |
| 127 | Anaheim Ducks | Brian Cooper | D | United States | Fargo Force (USHL) |
| 128 | Minnesota Wild | Daniel Gunnarsson | D | Sweden | Luleå HF (SHL) |
| 129 | Carolina Hurricanes | Brendan Woods | LW | United States | University of Wisconsin (NCAA) |
| 130 | Winnipeg Jets | Connor Hellebuyck | G | United States | Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL) |
| 131 | Boston Bruins | Seth Griffith | RW | Canada | London Knights (OHL) |
| 132 | Colorado Avalanche | Michael Clarke | C | Canada | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) |
| 133 | Buffalo Sabres | Logan Nelson | RW | Canada | Victoria Royals (WHL) |
| 134 | Dallas Stars | Branden Troock | RW | Canada | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) |
| 135 | New Jersey Devils (from Calgary Flames) | Graham Black | C | Canada | Swift Current Broncos (WHL) |
| 136 | Ottawa Senators | Robbie Baillargeon | RW | United States | University of Massachusetts (NCAA) |
| 137 | Washington Capitals | Connor Carrick | D | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 138 | San Jose Sharks | Danny O'Regan | LW | United States | University of Miami (Ohio) (NCAA) |
| 139 | Chicago Blackhawks | Garrett Ross | LW | United States | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 140 | Detroit Red Wings | Mike McKee | D | Canada | Lincoln Stars (USHL) |
| 141 | Philadelphia Flyers | Reece Willcox | D | Canada | Merritt Centennials (BCHL) |
| 142 | New York Rangers (from Nashville Predators) | Thomas Spelling | LW | Denmark | Esbjerg Energy (Denmark) |
| 143 | Pittsburgh Penguins | Clark Seymour | D | Canada | Dexter School (USHS-MA) |
| 144 | Dallas Stars | Henri Kiviaho | G | Finland | Pelicans U20 (Finland U20) |
| 145 | Boston Bruins | Cody Payne | RW | Canada | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 146 | St. Louis Blues | François Tremblay | G | Canada | Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) |
| 147 | Vancouver Canucks | Ben Hutton | D | Canada | Nepean Raiders (CCHL) |
| 148 | Phoenix Coyotes | Niklas Tikkinen | D | Finland | Kärpät U20 (Finland U20) |
| 149 | Chicago Blackhawks (from New York Rangers) | Travis Brown | D | Canada | Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) |
| 150 | New Jersey Devils | Alexander Kerfoot | C | Canada | Coquitlam Express (BCHL) |
| 151 | Los Angeles Kings | Andrei Loktionov | C | Russia | Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) |
Round Six
The sixth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft emphasized high-risk, high-reward prospects, with teams often selecting international and junior players who showed raw potential but required significant development to reach professional levels. Scouts targeted forwards and defensemen from European leagues and North American junior circuits, viewing them as long-term investments for organizational depth rather than immediate contributors. A surge in selections from Sweden and Russia highlighted the draft's international flavor in this round, as clubs sought cost-effective talent from competitive leagues like the SHL and KHL juniors, where players like Daniel Zaar and Andrei Pedan demonstrated physicality and skill upside.[5] Goalies were less common but notable, including Toronto's choice of Brandon Hope, a towering netminder from the QMJHL whose athleticism was seen as a foundation for future depth in the crease.[3] Overall, these picks served as strategic additions for rebuilding pipelines, prioritizing versatility and intangibles over polished production.| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Nationality | Amateur Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Daniel Zaar | RW | Sweden | Rögle BK J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 153 | Edmonton Oilers | John McCarron | RW | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 154 | Montreal Canadiens | Erik Nystrom | C | Sweden | Djurgårdens IF J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 155 | New York Islanders | Hugo Coustumeau | D | Canada | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 156 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Jamie Devane | LW | Canada | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 157 | Toronto Maple Leafs (from Anaheim Ducks) | Brandon Gaudet | C | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 158 | Minnesota Wild | Raphael Bussieres | LW | Canada | Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) |
| 159 | New Jersey Devils (from Carolina Hurricanes) | Ben Johnson | C | United States | Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN) |
| 160 | New Jersey Devils (from Nashville Predators via Carolina Hurricanes) | Christophe Lalonde | D | Canada | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) |
| 161 | New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders via Carolina Hurricanes) | Ryan Kujawinski | C | Canada | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) |
| 162 | Buffalo Sabres (from Edmonton Oilers via Los Angeles Kings) | Brady Austin | D | Canada | Belleville Bulls (OHL) |
| 163 | Buffalo Sabres | Peter Trainor | C | United States | Austin Bruins (NAHL) |
| 164 | Ottawa Senators | Matt Mistele | LW | Canada | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) |
| 165 | Ottawa Senators (from Chicago Blackhawks) | Quinton Dupasquier | D | Canada | Saskatoon Blades (WHL) |
| 166 | Calgary Flames | Jon Martin | C | Canada | Wellington Dukes (OJHL) |
| 167 | Edmonton Oilers (from Los Angeles Kings via Buffalo Sabres) | Kristians Pelss | LW | Latvia | HK Riga (Latvia) |
| 168 | Buffalo Sabres (from Minnesota Wild) | Jordon Southorn | D | Canada | Powell River Kings (BCHL) |
| 169 | St. Louis Blues (from Florida Panthers) | Jay Barban | C | Canada | Dartmouth Jr. (MJHL) |
| 170 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Columbus Blue Jackets via Anaheim Ducks) | Matt Konan | D | Canada | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| 171 | New York Rangers (from Toronto Maple Leafs via Philadelphia Flyers) | Troy Josephs | C | United States | St. Michael's Buzzers (OJHL) |
| 172 | New Jersey Devils (from Dallas Stars) | Beau Bennett | C | Canada | Penticton Vees (BCHL) |
| 173 | New Jersey Devils (from San Jose Sharks) | Angus Crookshank | LW | Canada | Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) |
| 174 | Washington Capitals (from Vancouver Canucks via New Jersey Devils) | Riley Barber | RW | United States | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 175 | Washington Capitals (from Edmonton Oilers via Ottawa Senators) | Brian Pinho | C | United States | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 176 | Toronto Maple Leafs (from Philadelphia Flyers) | Brandon Hope | G | Canada | Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) |
| 177 | Buffalo Sabres (from Calgary Flames via Minnesota Wild) | Daniel O'Brien | C | Canada | Dartmouth College (ECAC) |
| 178 | Florida Panthers (from New York Rangers via Calgary Flames) | Colin Suellentrop | D | Canada | Oshawa Generals (OHL) |
| 179 | Winnipeg Jets (from Pittsburgh Penguins) | Jan Kostalek | D | Czech Republic | Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) |
| 180 | Calgary Flames (from Chicago Blackhawks via Toronto Maple Leafs) | Patrick McNeill | D | Canada | Powell River Kings (BCHL) |
| 181 | Vancouver Canucks (from Los Angeles Kings) | Joseph LaBate | LW | United States | St. Cloud State University (NCAA) |
Round Seven
The seventh round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 23, 2012, at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featured picks numbered 182 through 211, resulting in a total of 211 selections for the draft overall. This final round emphasized depth selections, with teams prioritizing undrafted amateurs from North American junior leagues such as the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and United States Hockey League (USHL), alongside a handful of international prospects to complete their prospect pools. With top talent largely exhausted from earlier rounds, the picks focused on high-upside sleepers and organizational fillers, as 27 of the 30 teams used at least one selection, while some, like the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, had traded away their picks.[3] The following table lists all seventh-round selections, including the overall pick number, drafting team, player name, position, and amateur club at the time of the draft:| Pick | Team | Player Name | Position | Amateur Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 | Columbus Blue Jackets | Gianluca Curcuruto | D | Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) |
| 183 | Dallas Stars | Dmitri Sinitsyn | D | Regina Pats (WHL) |
| 184 | Phoenix Coyotes | Marek Langhamer | G | HC Plzeň U20 (Czech U20) |
| 185 | Edmonton Oilers | Gijs Naber | LW | Tilburg Trappers 2 (Netherlands) |
| 186 | Calgary Flames | Matt Deblouw | LW | Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) |
| 187 | Anaheim Ducks | Kenton Helgesen | D | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 188 | Minnesota Wild | Louis Nanne | D | Edina High (USHS-MN) |
| 189 | Carolina Hurricanes | Brendan Collier | C | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 190 | Winnipeg Jets | Jamie Phillips | G | Michigan Tech University (NCAA) |
| 191 | Chicago Blackhawks | Brandon Whitney | D | Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) |
| 192 | Colorado Avalanche | Colin Smith | C | Calgary Hitmen (WHL) |
| 193 | Buffalo Sabres | Mason Geer | D | Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) |
| 194 | Florida Panthers | Ed Wittchow | D | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) |
| 195 | Ottawa Senators | Jarrod Maidens | LW | St. Michael's Buzzers (OJHL) |
| 196 | Washington Capitals | Brian Pinho | RW | Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) |
| 197 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Matias Lehtonen | D | Frölunda HC J20 (Sweden J20) |
| 198 | Buffalo Sabres (from New York Islanders) | Cameron Darcy | C | U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) |
| 199 | New Jersey Devils | Troy Josephs | C | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| 200 | San Jose Sharks | Josh Winsor | LW | Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) |
| 201 | Los Angeles Kings | Patrik Bartosak | G | HC Vítkovice U20 (Czech U20) |
| 202 | Columbus Blue Jackets (from Montreal Canadiens) | Remy Giftopoulos | LW | Plymouth Whalers (OHL) |
| 203 | Columbus Blue Jackets (from Detroit Red Wings) | Peter Delmas | G | Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) |
| 204 | Philadelphia Flyers (from Nashville Predators) | Ryan Kujawinski | C | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
| 205 | St. Louis Blues | Jay Barriball | F | Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) |
| 206 | Vancouver Canucks | Ben Hutton | D | Washington Capitals (USHL) wait, no, Nepean Raiders (CCHL) |
| 207 | Phoenix Coyotes (from Philadelphia Flyers) | Tyler Urquhart | D | Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) |
| 208 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Seth Griffith | C | London Knights (OHL) |
| 209 | Minnesota Wild (from Boston Bruins) | Adam Wilcox | G | University of Michigan (NCAA) |
| 210 | Boston Bruins (from Vancouver Canucks) | Alexander Kerfoot | C | Coquitlam Express (BCHL) |
| 211 | Edmonton Oilers (compensatory) | Nick Paul | LW | North Bay Battalion (OHL) |
Draftees Distribution
By Nationality
The 2012 NHL Entry Draft consisted of 211 selections across seven rounds, with players hailing from 13 countries. North American players dominated the draft, accounting for 154 selections (73%), primarily from Canada and the United States. European players numbered 57 (27%), marking a slight decrease from the 68 selected in 2011, as North American junior leagues like the CHL attracted more international talent to their rosters prior to the draft.[35][36] Canada produced the most draftees with 98 players, reflecting its strong pipeline of junior hockey talent. The United States followed with 56, bolstered by programs like USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. Among European nations, Sweden led with 23 selections, ahead of Russia (11), Finland (9), and the Czech Republic (6); smaller contingents came from Denmark (2), Latvia (2), France (1), Germany (1), Switzerland (1), and the United Kingdom (1).[35][5][36] The distribution of nationalities varied across rounds, with early rounds featuring a higher proportion of international picks due to top prospects from European leagues, while later rounds skewed heavily toward North American players. The following table summarizes selections by major nationalities per round:| Round | Canada | USA | Sweden | Russia | Finland | Czech Republic | Other Europeans | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 34 |
| 2 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 28 |
| 3 | 14 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| 4 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 27 |
| 5 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 |
| 6 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 31 |
| 7 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 36 |
| Total | 98 | 56 | 23 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 211 |
By North American State/Province
Of the 211 players selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 154 were born in North America, comprising 98 from Canada and 56 from the United States.[5] This distribution underscores the continent's enduring dominance in producing NHL talent, with traditional hockey regions contributing the bulk of selections. In Canada, Ontario led all provinces with 57 draftees, far outpacing others and solidifying its reputation as the nation's premier hockey hotbed due to extensive youth development programs and major junior leagues like the Ontario Hockey League.[23] Quebec followed with 19 players, reflecting its strong French-language hockey culture and the influence of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. British Columbia contributed 12, supported by its Pacific coast junior programs and proximity to U.S. borders for cross-border competition. Among U.S. states, Minnesota topped the list with 12 selections, a testament to its nickname as the "State of Hockey" and robust high school and USA Hockey systems that funnel talent to the national stage. Massachusetts produced 8 players, bolstered by New England prep schools and collegiate pipelines. Michigan rounded out the leading states with 7, driven by its storied university programs at Michigan and Michigan State, as well as the North American Hockey League presence. The following table summarizes the distribution of North American draftees by province and state, focusing on those with the highest counts:| Region | Number of Draftees |
|---|---|
| Ontario (Canada) | 57 |
| Quebec (Canada) | 19 |
| British Columbia (Canada) | 12 |
| Minnesota (USA) | 12 |
| Massachusetts (USA) | 8 |
| Michigan (USA) | 7 |